Lonely Planets

The Natural Philosophy of Alien Life

By: David Grinspoon

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Paperback | 1 October 2004

At a Glance

Paperback
480 Pages

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20.3 x 13.3 x 3.2

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It's been nearly four decades since Carl Sagan first addressed the general public from a scientist's perspective, confronting the possibility of extraterrestrial life. David Grinspoon, a planetary scientist who has helped to shape modern planetary exploration, brings the subject to a new generation of readers with his reflections on the most recent developments in astrobiology, including NASA's search for life on Mars. In Lonely Planets, he investigates the big questions: How widespread are life and intelligence in the cosmos? Is life on Earth an accident or in some sense the purpose of this universe? And how can we, working from the Earth-centric definition of life, even begin to think about the varieties of life-forms on other planets?

Using the topic of extraterrestrial life as a mirror with which to view human beliefs, evolution, history, and aspirations, Grinspoon provides an authoritative scientific narrative of cosmic evolution, along with provocative ruminations on how we fit into the story of the universe. An accessible, lively blend of science, history, philosophy, and personal narrative, Lonely Planets reveals how the search for extraterrestrial life unites our spiritual and scientific quests for connection with the cosmos.

Industry Reviews

"The best look at this subject since Carl Sagan's Cosmic Connection." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review )

"A personable chat on life, the universe and everything." -- Publishers Weekly

"In his low-key, conversational language, Grinspoon asks provocative questions about modern science's unyielding rigidities." -- Entertainment Weekly

"The best, most entertaining examination of the possibility of other life in the universe since Sagan's best work." -- Boulder Daily Camera

"An easy to read, thought-provoking look at humanity's unending fascination with extraterrestrial life." -- Gannett News Service

"[A] terrific book." -- San Diego Union-Tribune

"Lonely Planets is an outstanding introduction to cosmic evolution." -- San Jose Mercury News

"Superb.... Grinspoon has succeeded marvelously at producing a comprehensive, enjoyable overview of astrobiology." -- Astronomy

"Entertaining and though-provoking.... A masterful synthesis of the history, science, philosophy, and even theological implications of extraterrestrial life." -- Science

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Science Astronomy, Space & Time Mind, Body, Spirit Unexplained Phenomena & the Paranormal UFOs & Extraterrestrial Beings Science in General Popular Science Biology, Life Sciences Life Sciences in General Evolution Society & Culture

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Preface	p. xiii
History	p. 1
Spirits from the Vasty Deep	p. 3
Plurality of Worlds	p. 19
A Wobbly Ladder to the Stars	p. 34
The Planets at Last	p. 51
Science	p. 67
The Greatest Story Ever Told	p. 69
Earth Birth	p. 88
Life Itself	p. 97
Childhood	p. 115
So What?	p. 135
The Lives of Planets	p. 150
Venus and Mars	p. 167
Growing Up with Europa	p. 191
Enter the Exoplanets	p. 205
Exobiology: Life on the Fringe	p. 221
Astrobiology	p. 237
Is It Science Yet?	p. 252
Living Worlds	p. 266
Belief	p. 287
SETI: The Sounds of Silence	p. 289
Fermi's Paradox	p. 310
Have You Seen the Saucers?	p. 334
Cons, Piracies, Conspiracies	p. 358
Believing Is Seeing	p. 374
The Immortals	p. 389
Astrotheology	p. 408
Notes on Sources and Suggestions for Further Reading	p. 417
Credits and Permissions	p. 423
Index	p. 429
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Lonely Planets

The Natural Philosophy of Alien Life

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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